Musical Invitation

Indonesia is not just famous for its Gamelan orchestra, Indonesia, IS an Assembly of
Melody, cultivated from a diverse cultures of multiethnic groups spread from coast to coast.
A display of musical instruments are currently on exhibit at the Indonesia Pavilion, a
reflection of a mellifluous nation.

For most Indonesian, regardless which part of the country they are from, music has been a
part of their ritual ceremonies, communication medium and dance foreground. Indonesian
express themselves through music. From birth, wedding, death, religious rituals and state
ceremonies the Indonesian put high emphasize on its music. Many musical instruments
are considered to have significance and magical power and plays a special part in the day
to day lives of the people. The diverse-city in its euphonious are demonstrated in the
distinct of musical instrument in each area in Indonesia. There are the Kecapi and
Angklung from West Java, Siter and Rebab from Central Java, Serunai from the highland
of Padang, Doli-doli from North Sumatra, Cungkilk from Lombok Island, Tifa from Papua,
Sasando from the Sumba and Timor, the list can go on and on but one thing is for sure:
Indonesia, IS a Nation of Rythm.

Music in its traditional essence is not just a ritual but are also tools to entertain us. Using
percussions, wind pipes and strings, Indonesian develop its local folk songs, Shadow
puppet background music, mythical orchestra of gamelan, Javanese opera, the colonial
era of Keroncong, Rythmic Dangdut of the grass root peoples, all are expressions and
forms of entertainment of the people. The instrument’s sounds in certain sequences
inform its community of what is going on in their area. In many societies in Indonesia,
Music are also used as an invitation, if you can hear the music from where you live, it
means you are invited to the party.

So when you can hear music comming from the Indonesian Pavilion, you are definitely
invited! You can be sure to find yourself immerse in magical tunes from ancient time and
yet being douse by the modern ingenuity from such diverse cities of Indonesia.